erik lars myers

Chapel Hill resident Erik Lars Myers is serving a new kind of brew. Mystery Brewing Company opened in March in Hillsborough as the first distribution-only brewery in Orange County.

They focus on good flavor and seasonal ingredients. Most of the beers are full body with more malt than hops -- meaning they have a dry taste like bitter chocolate, espresso or toffee.

One specialty is called Mousqueton, a Belgian-Style Tripel that has warm, rich malt flavors infused with the flavor of Belgian Abbey Ale yeast. Myers says it's one of a handful of tripels brewed in the state. In contrast, Gentlemen's Preference is a light, blonde ale with a touch of sweetness.

"We've had a lot of good response so far," Myers says. "Even people who aren't big beer drinkers like it. It appeals to everybody."

Myers began brewing 12 years ago when his mom bought him a brewing kit for Christmas. He was able to open the brewery with help from the Orange County Small Business Loan Program, a revolving loan fund that aids small business development and expansion of local companies.

He chose to open in an old cotton mill in downtown Hillsborough because it provides easy access to all corners of the Triangle. But now that he's there, he says it's an awesome community for the brewery. He hopes he'll help promote economic development.